Does your dog walk away from their dry kibble? I know that feeling. We all want our furry friends to enjoy every single bite of their dinner. Sometimes, dry food just feels a bit boring to them. If you want to make mealtime special, you should try making a tasty topper.
A homemade dog food gravy recipe dogs love chicken is a fantastic way to add moisture and flavor to a plain bowl of food. It is much better than buying store products that might have hidden salt or preservatives. Making this at home is quick, easy, and your dog will thank you with a wagging tail.
If you have been around the pet world for a while, you might have noticed how much things have changed. You can read more about How COVID 19 Changed the Pet Industry to see why more people are choosing to cook for their pets at home. It is all about knowing exactly what goes into their bowls.
Why You Should Make Your Own Gravy
When you walk down the pet food aisle, you often see packets of dog gravy granules. These might seem convenient, but they are often full of things our dogs do not need. They can contain high levels of sodium, artificial colors, and thickeners that might upset a sensitive stomach.
Making a healthy gravy recipe for dogs at home gives you total control. You know the ingredients are fresh. You can leave out the onion and garlic, which are dangerous for dogs. Plus, it is very cheap to make a big batch. You can even freeze it in ice cube trays for later.
At Clumsy Paw | For Pet Lovers and Pet Enthusiasts, we always talk about how simple changes can make a big difference in your dog’s happiness. Adding a little bit of warm, nutritious liquid to their dry food can help with digestion and hydration, especially for older dogs who might not drink enough water.
Homemade Dog Food Gravy Recipe Ingredients
You do not need to be a chef to make this. You only need a few basic things that you probably have in your kitchen right now. This is a very flexible base that you can adjust based on what your dog likes best.
Here is what you will need for a standard batch:
- Two cups of low-sodium chicken or beef bone broth (make sure it has no onions or garlic)
- One tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil
- Two tablespoons of flour (or cornstarch for a grain-free option)
- Optional: Finely chopped carrots, peas, or cooked lean meat
When you prepare this, always double-check the label on your broth. Many store-bought broths contain onion powder, which is toxic to dogs. If you have time, boiling a plain chicken breast in water creates the perfect, safe base for your gravy.
How to Make the Best Gravy for Dogs
Let’s get cooking. This simple dog gravy recipe with flour is easy to master. Start by heating your oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once it is warm, whisk in the flour. Keep whisking for about a minute so the flour cooks through. This helps get rid of that raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in your broth while you keep whisking. Do not stop whisking, or you will get lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken. This usually takes about three to five minutes. Once it reaches the thickness you like, turn off the heat.
If you want a beef gravy for dogs recipe instead, just swap the chicken broth for beef broth. The process stays exactly the same. Let the gravy cool down completely before you pour it over your dog’s food. You never want to serve it piping hot as it could burn their mouth.
Adding Extra Nutrition
Once you have the hang of the base, you can make this even better. This is the best gravy for dogs because it is customizable. If your dog needs more fiber, stir in some pureed pumpkin. If they need a little extra protein, add some shredded cooked chicken or bits of lean beef.
You can also stir in a tiny bit of fresh parsley or blueberries. These add vitamins and a fresh scent that makes the meal smell amazing. Just remember to introduce new ingredients slowly. You want to make sure your dog does not have an upset tummy from trying something new.
Storing your homemade gravy is also very simple. You can keep it in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to three days. If you make a large amount, put it in the freezer. Freezing it in small portions is great because you can just pop one out and warm it slightly in the microwave when you need it.
Tips for Serving
The serving size depends on your dog’s size and weight. For a small dog, one or two tablespoons is plenty. For a larger dog, you can use a quarter cup. Always account for these extra calories in their daily food intake so they do not gain unwanted weight.
Some dogs might get a little too excited when they smell the gravy. If your dog gulps their food, the gravy might make them eat even faster. If this happens, use a slow-feeder bowl. This will help them enjoy the delicious meal for a longer period of time.
Keep in mind that this is a topper, not a full meal. Their main source of nutrition should still be a balanced, high-quality dog food. The gravy is simply the “cherry on top” to make their regular meals feel like a gourmet experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good homemade gravy for dogs?
A good homemade gravy uses a low-sodium, dog-safe broth made from chicken or beef. It is thickened with a small amount of flour or cornstarch and contains no onions, garlic, or salt.
What is a good gravy mix for dogs?
While you can buy store mixes, they often contain additives. The best gravy mix is one you make yourself at home using natural ingredients like bone broth and vegetables, ensuring you know exactly what your dog is eating.
Can dogs eat homemade gravy?
Yes, dogs can safely eat homemade gravy as long as it is prepared without toxic ingredients. Avoid onions, garlic, mushrooms, high salt, or processed spices. Always serve it at a safe, lukewarm temperature.
What kind of gravy can you put on dog food?
You can put any gravy on dog food that is made with dog-safe ingredients. Chicken, beef, or vegetable-based broths work very well. You can even mix in small amounts of safe veggies to add texture and flavor to their meal.
